It's important for churches to strive for peaceful relationships with one another. I’ve been a Christian for nearly 50 years. I was raised in the church of Christ and have traveled all over North America visiting close to 200 congregations. I’ve seen strange and wonderful things. One thing I’ve learned is that we need more unity.
Commercialism and marketing have impacted the work of the church. When there are other churches near to our church family we might see them as our competition. How can we maintain our autonomous nature while not forgetting to keep unity with other local churches? I want to share seven reasons why churches of Christ should avoid conflict with other congregations of the Lord’s people:
* Focus on the Common Mission
Churches of Christ share a core mission: to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16). One could argue that a secondary mission is to serve our local communities. Conflict with other local churches diverts energy and resources away from our shared purpose. I heard an older preacher once say, “There is no competition among lighthouses.” Remember that statement.
Throughout the New Testament, there are several references to believers providing hospitality and support to traveling Christians. This often involved members of different communities welcoming and assisting those who were spreading the Gospel. We’ve been tasked with an overwhelming burden. We need each other to complete the task at hand.
* Prevent Spiritual Trauma
Conflict between brethren is hated by God (Proverbs 6:19, Psalm 133). It can lead to bitterness, resentment, and division within both congregations involved. These negative emotions can hinder spiritual growth and create a toxic environment. Worship can be hindered. Work can be halted. Irreparable damage can be done to the flock when brethren spar with one another.
The apostle Paul organized collections among the churches he founded in places like Corinth, Galatia, and Macedonia to support the financially struggling church in Jerusalem (I Corinthians 16, II Corinthians 8-9, Romans 15). This demonstrates a practical example of churches working together to meet the needs of fellow believers. It highlights a sense of shared responsibility and care. It also reminds us we are peacemakers, not tyrants or bullies. The body works in unison with Christ as the Head.
* Secure a Positive Perception
Public conflicts between churches can harm the overall perception of the church in the community. In a way it also creates a negative view of Christianity. Galatians 6:10reminds us to do good to all but “especially” to those within the family of God. If we devour each other with gossip, lies and backbiting who wins? The devil. God is not the Author of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33). A divisive spirit can potentially deter people from seeking the Lord.
The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 was a pivotal event in church history. It involved leaders from the Jerusalem church (including the apostles) meeting with representatives from the growing Gentile churches (like those in Antioch). They worked together to resolve a major theological dispute about whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law. This collaborative decision helped to unify and expand the early Christian movement.
* Cooperation For The Greater Good
Many community needs require the cooperation of multiple churches. We’ve seen this during hurricanes and natural disasters. Conflict makes it difficult to collaborate on important work, such as providing aid to the needy or addressing community issues. We need each other!
Paul uses the concept of the Body of Christ (Romans 12, I Corinthians 12). The analogy of the church as the body emphasizes the interdependence of all believers. This implies that different local churches, like different parts of a body, should work together for the common good. Just as different parts of a body work together, so should believers, recognizing their interdependence.
* The Principle of Unity
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity among believers (Ephesians 4:3). Conflict contradicts this principle and can create unnecessary divisions within the body of Christ. We should be emphasizing the importance of harmony, oneness, and mutual support among believers.
Jesus's commandment to "love one another" (John 13:34-35) is fundamental to unity. Love transcends differences and fosters connection. Jesus's prayer in John 17emphasizes the desire for believers to be one, just as he and the Father are one. This reflects a deep spiritual connection.
* Exemplify Christ As Disciples
Members of the church are watching the leaders of the church. If the leaders are in conflict, it gives “permission” or liberty to the members to have conflict as well. Setting a bad example can cause much pain within the brotherhood. Paul asked people to imitate him as he imitated Christ (I Corinthians 11:1). What would Jesus do? The biblical principle of unity calls believers to move beyond divisions and embrace their shared identity in Christ.
Discipleship is a lifelong journey of obedience as Jesus calls us to follow Him (Matthew 4:19). Disciples are students of Christ, immersing themselves in His Word and applying it to their lives. It's living out the greatest commandments, to love God with all your heart, and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Essentially, discipleship is a continuous process of becoming more like Christ, driven by love and expressed through obedience and service.
* Be A Witness to the World
Jesus emphasized that love and unity among believers would be a powerful witness to the world (John 13:35). Conflict between churches can damage that witness, portraying a divided and unloving image of Christianity. We should strive to maintain respectful and peaceful relationships.
Being a “witness” includes producing spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-33), demonstrating the change that Christ has made in one's life. Jesus said in John 15:8 "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." To be a disciple of Christ is to be a devoted follower, one who actively learns from and imitates Jesus. It involves a commitment to His teachings and a transformation of one's life to reflect His character.
These points and examples illustrate that cooperation, mutual support, and a sense of unity were important aspects of the early Christian church. This is why it’s very important for Christians to pursue peace and unity with one another. What can you do to prevent conflict and foster peace?
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
#ReynoldsRap #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #counseling #PeachtreePress #inspiration #encourage #positive #rayreynoldsrap #reclaiminghopeministry #summerdale #churchofchrist #bible #didaskobibleinstitute #dailyBiblereading #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #unity
Comments